Use Your Voice, Vote and Wallet for Climate Action | Halla Tómasdóttir | TED

TL;DR

In this content, Pat Mitchell interviews Halla Tómasdóttir about the outcomes of COP26 and the need for collective action to address the climate crisis.

Transcript

Pat Mitchell: Thank you, Halla. You don’t look any worse the wear for having been on those front lines. Halla Tómasdóttir: Well, it was quite the experience. PM: And many times you were there in the important discussions and debates that were going on as world leaders were grappling to find the answers. So help us understand what happened, what did... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 The outcomes of COP26 are seen as progress, but not enough to deliver the necessary changes for the world. Trust and generational gaps are major barriers that need to be addressed in the fight against climate change.
• 🌳 The climate agenda is becoming more holistic, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing nature loss, and discussing justice and inclusion.
• 💼 Business and finance showed up at COP26, highlighting the need for public-private partnerships and radical collaboration to tackle the climate crisis.
• 🤝 Unlikely alliances were seen at COP26, such as business leaders standing with vulnerable countries and demanding support from the Global North.
• 📊 Accountants' role in measuring and disclosing sustainability standards is crucial for changing business norms and driving positive change.
• 🌎 Radical collaboration is essential, and it will require the efforts of the private sector, public servants, civil society, and activists in a global movement.
• 👔 The B Team, along with other business leaders, has committed to being accountable and creating sustainable business practices, shifting from being part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.
• 💡 To create a sustainable future, leadership needs to change by closing the gaps in gender, racial, ethnic, generational, and global divides, and rethinking what leadership means in terms of humanity and courage. Additionally, the economic system needs to be reset and aligned with the future we want to achieve.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the outcomes of COP26 according to Halla Tómasdóttir?

Halla Tómasdóttir stated that while progress was made, we are not on track to deliver the world we need. She highlighted the importance of a more holistic climate agenda, the involvement of business and finance in addressing the crisis, and the formation of unlikely alliances. She also mentioned the establishment of the International Sustainability Standards Board as a positive outcome.

Q: Why is trust a barrier in addressing the climate crisis?

Halla Tómasdóttir emphasized that there is a deep crisis of trust that hinders progress in addressing the climate crisis. This trust gap stems from a generational divide and divisions among society. Without trust, it becomes difficult to effectively work together toward solutions.

Q: How did business leaders contribute to COP26?

Business leaders, particularly those associated with the B Team, played a significant role in COP26. They showcased their commitment to sustainability and accountability by stepping up as problem-solvers rather than perpetrators. Their involvement highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and radical collaboration in addressing the climate crisis.

Q: What actions and changes are needed to create a world that works for all?

According to Halla Tómasdóttir, closing the gaps in leadership, such as gender, racial, and generational divides, is crucial. Redesigning the table by including diverse perspectives is necessary to create a trusted and inclusive world. Additionally, rethinking the meaning of leadership, shifting from the inside out, and changing the economic system to align incentives with the desired future are essential steps toward creating a world that works for everyone.

Q: How can individuals make the climate crisis personal and contribute to change?

Halla Tómasdóttir suggests that individuals should start by crafting their own moral compass, aligning their actions and choices with their values. This includes using one's voice, vote, and wallet to support initiatives and organizations aligned with personal values. She also emphasizes the importance of collective power, urging people to mobilize, put pressure on politicians and CEOs, and demand courageous and brave leadership.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The outcomes of COP26 were seen as a mix of progress and disappointment. While there was a more holistic climate agenda and increased involvement from business and finance, the conference highlighted the generational and trust gaps that need to be addressed.

• The B Team and other business leaders are taking steps to become more accountable and create sustainable business practices. They aim to close gaps in leadership and transform the economic system to align with the future we need.

• To make a personal impact, individuals should align their leadership and actions with their values, use their voice, vote, and wallets to support aligned companies, and mobilize collective power to demand courageous and brave leadership from politicians and CEOs.